ANTH204

Much of what is heard, read and seen about Africa emphasizes the suffering, corruption, and war that afflict much of the continent. While Africa is plagued by these issues, the sameness of tone and pessimism in the coverage of these problems often belies the diversity of culture that is the African continent which includes many traditions, practices, and beliefs. Students examine different African states from across the continent with an emphasis on how perspectives about traditional cultural practices intersect with the challenges - economic, religious, ethnic and political - faced by African cultures and the modern African nation state. Students should leave with an appreciation of the cultural richness and regional variation that is sometimes hidden by the generalizations and stereotypes that are often applied to Africa.

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